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STEM – Earth Day
TikTok has announced a new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) content competition on the app, timed to coincide with Earth Day (April 22nd), to allow parents and students to demonstrate their understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics themes.
@tiktoknewsroom The first STEM competition on TikTok, in collaboration with EXPLR, kicks off today on Earth Day! Do you think you're the next great STEM communicator? Share your video using the hashtag #STEMTok ♬ original sound – TikTok Newsroom
How Does The Challenge Work?
As stated in the video clip, viewers can participate in TikTok’s STEM challenge by submitting their own communication video to TikTok’s feed, using the hashtag #STEMTok.
There are no precise criteria, and TikTok’s judging team selects winners based on the standards outlined in the clip, as well as overall entertainment value. The picked winners will receive a Google Pixel device.
TikTok Becoming Positive?
TikTok has been attempting to encourage more educational material in order to increase the app’s overall value and utility. This may also help in its present battle against a possible sell-off ruling. If TikTok can demonstrate its larger usefulness to the United States beyond entertainment, it may be able to improve its appeal to Senators, who are being encouraged to vote against the bill.
TikTok first introduced its STEM channel to US viewers in March, and it was just recently made available to European users.
The emphasis on instructional content is especially relevant in the context of Douyin, the Chinese version of the app, which has placed a special emphasis on pushing more positive, educational content to young people, as opposed to the dancing and prank videos that frequently populate TikTok user feeds.
Positive, motivating subjects such as Positive Energy and Knowledge Sharing receive the maximum promotion and reach in the Douyin app.
That is part of the Chinese government’s push to control what young people see, with the hope that by encouraging more good trends, young people will be motivated to strive to more helpful and significant elements, such as Douyin trends.
Perhaps TikTok is trying to impose similar measures in Western regions as well, in order to improve its standing with regulators.
Regardless, it appears to be a great addition to the TikTok ecosystem.
TikTok’s newest competition begins today and ends on May 31st.
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